The Green Dragon Inn #11 - The Last Chapter - The Barrow-Downs Discussion Forum

Rose · 11-10-2005, 02:44 AM

Rose paused for a moment at the rise in the road. She loosened the clasp of her russet colored cloak, pushing the hood back from her flushed face. It had grown warmer as she’d trudged along; the noontime sun was generous with its warmth and growing more giving with each step. Her short dark curls were in disarray from the hood and several stray ringlets lay plastered against her brow. She brushed them back with a hurried gesture and shrugged the front sections of her cloak behind her shoulders. Her worn leather pack lay snug against her back, another source of uncomfortable warmth.

The Green Dragon was very near. Just a very short distance and she would be turning up the path to the inn proper. And what was that happening in the front yard, she wondered. There were a goodly number of Hobbits with mugs in their hands and a number of casks round which they were gathered. Her deep blue eyes lit up at the sight. She was thirsty after her long morning's hike.

A short time later, the Hobbit lass had crossed the yard and climbed the steps to the little verandah. Two Dwarves sat in wooden chairs a little to her left. There were mugs in their hands she could see, and their beards wagged up and down as they spoke with one another. It was a funny sort of sight and she bit her bottom lip, holding back a laugh that threatened to escape. One of the Dwarves glanced her way and she looked away guiltily, hoping he had not taken her stare as rudeness on her part.

Koobdooga · 11-10-2005, 01:38 PM

‘Your pardon, Miss,’ said Ibun, rocking his chair back down so that it now stood on all its legs. He sat his mug down on the flat top of the porch railing and stood up. ‘Is there something we can help you with?’

The Hobbit lass’ stare and the blossoming stain of red on her cheeks as she turned quickly away made him curious. That and the hint of a smile she had smoothed from her lips.

the phantom · 11-11-2005, 01:54 PM

As Meri emerged from the stable, a small coin purse thudded into the dust between his feet.

"Be sure and keep my horse well, Stablemaster."

Meri looked up at the speaker. He was wrapped completely in a black cloak. All that showed were his fine black riding boots and his face. His eyes were grey, and a lock of black hair trailed down just to the left of his eyes and then curved back to disappear into his hood. He was fair of face, and tall, and the hilt of a sword showed above his right shoulder.

He dismounted with ease, and began walking with firm steps towards the door to the inn. Meri opened the coin purse and his eyes grew wide. "I promise I'll take excellent care of your horse!" he called after the stranger. The stranger turned, nodded, opened the door and disappeared into the inn.

----------

Ruby Brown ran straight into the stranger as he entered, spilling the two drinks she was carrying onto the bottom of his cloak.

"Oh, goodness, I'm sorry! Oh sir, just-"

"If you wish to atone for your mistake just toddle off and get me a mug of whatever you spilled on me. It smells quite good."

Ruby nodded in agreement. "Aye- it does. It's fine ale, the best in the Shire if I may say so," she said as she produced a towel from the back of her belt and began mopping up the spill. "What's your name, sir?"

"Belegund," he answered as he removed his hood. "I come from Minas Tirith."

As he surveyed the room, he saw a man of Rohan seated by himself at a table nearby. "I'll be sitting at this table here near the door," said Belegund. "When you're done cleaning that up, bring me my mug of ale." As he spoke, he noticed that the man from Rohan seemed to be searching for currency. "On second thought, bring two mugs."

Rose · 11-12-2005, 02:50 AM

Well, here she was . . . caught out! Rose pushed down the urge to simply turn and flee. Taking a deep breath she faced toward the Dwarf who had addressed her.

‘Begging your pardon, sir,’ she began, her cheeks now thoroughly reddened. ‘My name is Rose. Rose Woolcomb of Bindbale Wood.’ She stepped nearer the two Dwarves. It was rude of me, I know to stare at you, but I saw you talking to one another . . . your beards wagging up and down as you did so. And it was such a familiar sight to me, or so it seemed, that I could not help but stare and wonder at it.’

Rose took a deep breath. ‘Oh dear, I’m not explaining myself very well. You see, my two grandfathers live with my family. And often at the end of a long day, they like to sit in front of the door to our burrow, in their sturdy wooden chairs, feet propped up on an overturned bucket or low oak round. They fill their pipes and smoke and drink their mugs of hard cider and talk til my mother calls them in for supper. Their beards, though, not as full and fine as yours, wag up and down in the same manner.’ She looked down at her feet, wondering if she had blathered on too much. ‘I’ve not been away from them often. I was missing them, I suppose. and seeing you two engaged in a familiar activity made me smile and think of them.’

piosenniel · 11-12-2005, 03:14 AM

The drinks are delivered to Master Belegund

Ruby hurriedly cleaned the ale from the floor and made her back to the bar. Buttercup was there, filling mugs for customers. ‘Two mugs of the stout, if you will,’ said Ruby, throwing her sodden towel in the basket beneath the bar. ‘For the gentlemen over there, who’ve just come in.’ She leaned on the edge of the bar as Buttercup filled the mugs.

Buttercup looked the two up and down, assessing them as possible good tippers. At least the one looked the part, the dark haired fellow dressed all in black with the sword at his back. The other one she noted was seated already and turning out his pockets, looking for something. Whatever it was, he didn’t seem to be having much success and a closer inspection showed her no coins in evidence. ‘Looks like the dark dressed fellow is standing a mug of ale for the other.’

Ruby loaded the mugs onto a tray along with a basket of bread with a wedge of Shire cheddar on a small plate tucked into it. ‘Compliments of the Green Dragon, Master Belegund. Don’t often get visitors from the High King’s city.’ She looked expectantly at the second mug of ale. ‘And will someone be joining you?’

the guy who be short · 11-12-2005, 06:35 AM

"That would be me, my dear!" Éodear replied to the hobbit lass. He smiled at her so jovially that she could do little but smile back, make a quick reply and leave him to talk to the mysterious stranger who was buying him a drink.

"I do thank you, sir," Éodear said. "I'm sure I had some silver pieces somewhere... oh, I don't know. Very good ale though, eh?"

The stranger, who named himself as Belegund of Gondor, replied that it was the best he had had in an age. For a short while, they sat together in silent contemplation of one another, sipping.

A few minutes later, Éodear broke the silence. "This is the first ale I've had in weeks, would you believe? It's most welcome." Belegund smiled. "Infact," Éodear continued, lowering his voice to a whisper, "I must say I've gotten myself a little lost. Was heading to Bree, you understand. Would you happen to know whereabouts this Bywater place is?"

"The Shire?!" he had cried incredulously, turning a few heads in the public house. "But then I'm far off course!"

the phantom · 11-12-2005, 12:02 PM

Belegund immediately took a sip and agreed with Éodear that the ale was of the highest quality. He made a mental note to leave a substantial tip for not only the quality of the ale but also for the speed with which it arrived. In the meantime, he flipped Ruby a silver coin.

"To King Eomer!" said Belegund, raising his mug.

"To King Elessar!" returned Éodear, clinking his glass against Belegund's.

After a long swallow, Belegund turned to Éodear. "Looking for Bree? Well, just follow the main road east out of the Shire and you will be there before you know it. In the meantime, just sit back and enjoy your stay here. The Shire is a wonderful place." Belegund took another drink and sighed. "Very peaceful... I wish I could stay a bit longer- but duty calls, and so I must leave in the morning. It's a pity. I would've liked to spend some time getting to know that angel behind the bar over there. I believe I heard someone call her 'Aman'."

Aman caught her name and looked up from the drink she was pouring. Belegund bowed his head slightly and smiled at her.

11-10-2005, 01:38 PM	#2
Koobdooga Animated Skeleton Join Date: Aug 2005 Posts: 33	‘Your pardon, Miss,’ said Ibun, rocking his chair back down so that it now stood on all its legs. He sat his mug down on the flat top of the porch railing and stood up. ‘Is there something we can help you with?’ The Hobbit lass’ stare and the blossoming stain of red on her cheeks as she turned quickly away made him curious. That and the hint of a smile she had smoothed from her lips. __________________ Outside a dog, a book is man's best friend. Inside a dog, it's too dark to read. -- Groucho Marx

11-11-2005, 01:54 PM	#3
the phantom Beloved Shadow Join Date: Jul 2002 Location: The Stadium Posts: 5,971	As Meri emerged from the stable, a small coin purse thudded into the dust between his feet. "Be sure and keep my horse well, Stablemaster." Meri looked up at the speaker. He was wrapped completely in a black cloak. All that showed were his fine black riding boots and his face. His eyes were grey, and a lock of black hair trailed down just to the left of his eyes and then curved back to disappear into his hood. He was fair of face, and tall, and the hilt of a sword showed above his right shoulder. He dismounted with ease, and began walking with firm steps towards the door to the inn. Meri opened the coin purse and his eyes grew wide. "I promise I'll take excellent care of your horse!" he called after the stranger. The stranger turned, nodded, opened the door and disappeared into the inn. ---------- Ruby Brown ran straight into the stranger as he entered, spilling the two drinks she was carrying onto the bottom of his cloak. "Oh, goodness, I'm sorry! Oh sir, just-" "If you wish to atone for your mistake just toddle off and get me a mug of whatever you spilled on me. It smells quite good." Ruby nodded in agreement. "Aye- it does. It's fine ale, the best in the Shire if I may say so," she said as she produced a towel from the back of her belt and began mopping up the spill. "What's your name, sir?" "Belegund," he answered as he removed his hood. "I come from Minas Tirith." As he surveyed the room, he saw a man of Rohan seated by himself at a table nearby. "I'll be sitting at this table here near the door," said Belegund. "When you're done cleaning that up, bring me my mug of ale." As he spoke, he noticed that the man from Rohan seemed to be searching for currency. "On second thought, bring two mugs." Last edited by piosenniel; 11-11-2005 at 06:02 PM.

11-12-2005, 02:50 AM	#4
Rose Haunting Spirit Join Date: Nov 2005 Location: Playing to the tide with Uncle John Posts: 49	Well, here she was . . . caught out! Rose pushed down the urge to simply turn and flee. Taking a deep breath she faced toward the Dwarf who had addressed her. ‘Begging your pardon, sir,’ she began, her cheeks now thoroughly reddened. ‘My name is Rose. Rose Woolcomb of Bindbale Wood.’ She stepped nearer the two Dwarves. It was rude of me, I know to stare at you, but I saw you talking to one another . . . your beards wagging up and down as you did so. And it was such a familiar sight to me, or so it seemed, that I could not help but stare and wonder at it.’ Rose took a deep breath. ‘Oh dear, I’m not explaining myself very well. You see, my two grandfathers live with my family. And often at the end of a long day, they like to sit in front of the door to our burrow, in their sturdy wooden chairs, feet propped up on an overturned bucket or low oak round. They fill their pipes and smoke and drink their mugs of hard cider and talk til my mother calls them in for supper. Their beards, though, not as full and fine as yours, wag up and down in the same manner.’ She looked down at her feet, wondering if she had blathered on too much. ‘I’ve not been away from them often. I was missing them, I suppose. and seeing you two engaged in a familiar activity made me smile and think of them.’ __________________ (`'•.¸¤¸.•'´) »~:¤.•º`•.Rose.•´º•.¤:~« (¸.•'´¤`'•.¸)

11-12-2005, 06:35 AM	#6
the guy who be short Shadowed Prince Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: Thulcandra Posts: 2,343	"That would be me, my dear!" Éodear replied to the hobbit lass. He smiled at her so jovially that she could do little but smile back, make a quick reply and leave him to talk to the mysterious stranger who was buying him a drink. "I do thank you, sir," Éodear said. "I'm sure I had some silver pieces somewhere... oh, I don't know. Very good ale though, eh?" The stranger, who named himself as Belegund of Gondor, replied that it was the best he had had in an age. For a short while, they sat together in silent contemplation of one another, sipping. A few minutes later, Éodear broke the silence. "This is the first ale I've had in weeks, would you believe? It's most welcome." Belegund smiled. "Infact," Éodear continued, lowering his voice to a whisper, "I must say I've gotten myself a little lost. Was heading to Bree, you understand. Would you happen to know whereabouts this Bywater place is?" "The Shire?!" he had cried incredulously, turning a few heads in the public house. "But then I'm far off course!" Last edited by the guy who be short; 11-12-2005 at 01:46 PM.

11-10-2005, 02:44 AM	#1
Rose Haunting Spirit Join Date: Nov 2005 Location: Playing to the tide with Uncle John Posts: 49	Rose paused for a moment at the rise in the road. She loosened the clasp of her russet colored cloak, pushing the hood back from her flushed face. It had grown warmer as she’d trudged along; the noontime sun was generous with its warmth and growing more giving with each step. Her short dark curls were in disarray from the hood and several stray ringlets lay plastered against her brow. She brushed them back with a hurried gesture and shrugged the front sections of her cloak behind her shoulders. Her worn leather pack lay snug against her back, another source of uncomfortable warmth. The Green Dragon was very near. Just a very short distance and she would be turning up the path to the inn proper. And what was that happening in the front yard, she wondered. There were a goodly number of Hobbits with mugs in their hands and a number of casks round which they were gathered. Her deep blue eyes lit up at the sight. She was thirsty after her long morning's hike. A short time later, the Hobbit lass had crossed the yard and climbed the steps to the little verandah. Two Dwarves sat in wooden chairs a little to her left. There were mugs in their hands she could see, and their beards wagged up and down as they spoke with one another. It was a funny sort of sight and she bit her bottom lip, holding back a laugh that threatened to escape. One of the Dwarves glanced her way and she looked away guiltily, hoping he had not taken her stare as rudeness on her part. __________________ (`'•.¸¤¸.•'´) »~:¤.•º`•.Rose.•´º•.¤:~« (¸.•'´¤`'•.¸)

11-12-2005, 03:14 AM	#5
piosenniel Desultory Dwimmerlaik Join Date: Mar 2002 Location: Pickin' flowers with Bill the Cat..... Posts: 7,779	The drinks are delivered to Master Belegund Ruby hurriedly cleaned the ale from the floor and made her back to the bar. Buttercup was there, filling mugs for customers. ‘Two mugs of the stout, if you will,’ said Ruby, throwing her sodden towel in the basket beneath the bar. ‘For the gentlemen over there, who’ve just come in.’ She leaned on the edge of the bar as Buttercup filled the mugs. Buttercup looked the two up and down, assessing them as possible good tippers. At least the one looked the part, the dark haired fellow dressed all in black with the sword at his back. The other one she noted was seated already and turning out his pockets, looking for something. Whatever it was, he didn’t seem to be having much success and a closer inspection showed her no coins in evidence. ‘Looks like the dark dressed fellow is standing a mug of ale for the other.’ Ruby loaded the mugs onto a tray along with a basket of bread with a wedge of Shire cheddar on a small plate tucked into it. ‘Compliments of the Green Dragon, Master Belegund. Don’t often get visitors from the High King’s city.’ She looked expectantly at the second mug of ale. ‘And will someone be joining you?’

11-12-2005, 12:02 PM	#7
the phantom Beloved Shadow Join Date: Jul 2002 Location: The Stadium Posts: 5,971	Belegund immediately took a sip and agreed with Éodear that the ale was of the highest quality. He made a mental note to leave a substantial tip for not only the quality of the ale but also for the speed with which it arrived. In the meantime, he flipped Ruby a silver coin. "To King Eomer!" said Belegund, raising his mug. "To King Elessar!" returned Éodear, clinking his glass against Belegund's. After a long swallow, Belegund turned to Éodear. "Looking for Bree? Well, just follow the main road east out of the Shire and you will be there before you know it. In the meantime, just sit back and enjoy your stay here. The Shire is a wonderful place." Belegund took another drink and sighed. "Very peaceful... I wish I could stay a bit longer- but duty calls, and so I must leave in the morning. It's a pity. I would've liked to spend some time getting to know that angel behind the bar over there. I believe I heard someone call her 'Aman'." Aman caught her name and looked up from the drink she was pouring. Belegund bowed his head slightly and smiled at her.